Reaching Out to Others, Part 2

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

An audio-visual demonstration has been effective communication tool for many years. By combining both sight and sound, it appeals to a variety of senses, thus making a much more memorable impact than mere words or pictures alone.

The follower of Jesus Christ is also called to be a living audio-visual testimony to the unbelieving world. Our words carry great influence. A tongue that is critical, complaining, or self-serving provides no authentic witness of the indwelling Christ.

On the other hand, lips that are encouraging, sympathetic, and honest reflect the reality of our faith. Each of us speaks thousands of words each day. Over time, those words compile volumes that the unbeliever can use to verify exactly what Christianity is like.

Conversation without accompanying behavior, however, places us as hypocrites before the unsaved. They want to see our faith in action - not just hear about it. Paul could call disciples to “be imitators of me” (1 Cor. 4:16). His actions were so consistent with his confession that he had little reluctance to exhort others to do as he did - not just as he said. Actions do speak louder than words; but both make for a genuine portrait of real Christianity to a suspicious doubting world.

“...let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” 1 John 3:18